What is MCT powder and what are its benefits?

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking a competitive edge, MCT powder has emerged as a game-changing supplement. Derived from medium-chain triglycerides, this unique fat powder is easily digested and rapidly converted to ketones - an alternative energy source that may boost endurance, delay fatigue, and support weight management goals. Find out more below about this effective supplement.

What are medium-chain triglycerides?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat molecule composed of medium-chain fatty acids commonly found in foods like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and some dairy products. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are found in most dietary fats, MCTs have shorter carbon chains, typically containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms. This structural difference affects how they are metabolised in the body. 

MCTs are easily digested and rapidly absorbed, bypassing the typical fat digestion process that occurs in the intestines. Due to their unique metabolism, MCTs are often used as a quick source of energy and could have various potential health benefits, such as supporting weight management, enhancing cognitive function, and providing energy for physical performance. 

How do medium-chain triglycerides work and what are the benefits?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are unique due to their shorter carbon chain length, which allows them to be rapidly absorbed and metabolised by the body. Once consumed, MCTs are transported directly to the liver, where they are quickly converted into ketones, serving as a readily available source of energy. This efficient metabolism bypasses the typical fat digestion process, making MCTs an immediate energy source. 

The benefits of MCTs include:

• Enhanced cognitive function - Research indicates that the use of MCT’s in clinical trials have led to reports of “improvement of cognitive function”¹.
• Supporting weight management by promoting satiety and increasing fat oxidation -Investigations suggest that the “in foods like confectionery, cookies, biscuits, plastic fats etc. MCT’s can reduce the calorific value of food thereby managing diseases like obesity.”²
• Improved exercise performance through increased energy availability - Studies propose that “the short-term ingestion of food containing a small amount of MCT suppresses the increase in blood lactate concentration…during moderate-intensity exercise and extends the duration of subsequent high-intensity exercise"³
• Potential therapeutic effects for conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and metabolic disorders - Analysis of clinical trials reports that “MCTs might have some cognitive benefit in people with subjective cognitive decline or dementia”¹.
• Improved overall wellbeing - There has also been significant evidence to show that MCTs may aid in nutrient absorption and gut health, contributing to overall wellbeing⁴. 

What is MCT powder and what is it used for?

NEIVA MCT Powder is a powdered form of oil-based medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), created through spray drying or encapsulation, resulting in a fine powder. NEIVA MCT Powder retains the benefits of MCT oil, such as providing quick energy and supporting ketosis, but in a more convenient and versatile form. Its superior solubility makes it easy to blend for manufacturers producing various foods, beverages and dietary supplements. 

Dietary supplements

NEIVA MCT Powder can be used as a versatile ingredient in dietary supplements. Often found in protein powders, meal replacements, and pre-workout supplements, powdered forms of MCT blend seamlessly with other ingredients. Particularly favoured by individuals adhering to ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets, MCT supplements facilitate quick energy provision while supporting the maintenance of ketosis. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts also use MCT powder supplements to sustain energy levels during workouts and aid post-exercise recovery. 

Functional foods

MCT powder is also known for its potential to support weight management, cognitive function, and endurance performance, making it a popular ingredient in functional foods targeting specific health benefits. It’s a form of saturated fatty acids that are easily digested and rapidly metabolised, providing an instant source of energy. NEIVA MCT Powder can be added to sports supplements, meal replacement shakes, and ketogenic diet products to help increase their energy-boosting and fat-burning potential. It’s also used in some baked goods and snack foods to enhance texture and extend shelf life. 

Sports nutrition

MCT powder is known for its ability to provide a rapid and sustained source of energy, crucial for athletes' performance and recovery. It's commonly incorporated into pre-workout supplements, energy bars, and sports drinks to fuel workouts and enhance endurance. MCT powder helps to promote fat metabolism, which can be helpful for athletes following low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets. Plus, its quick absorption and utilisation make it ideal for supporting glycogen sparing during prolonged exercise. 

Our versatile MCT powder solutions deliver rapid energy release, smooth mouthfeel, in a free-flowing, convenient format and premium functionality. 

References 

1. Cognitive Vitality Report from neuroscientists at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, January 31, 2024 
2. Jadhav, H.B., Annapure, U.S. Triglycerides of medium-chain fatty acids: a concise review. J Food Sci Technol 60, 2143–2152 (2023)
3. Nosaka N, Suzuki Y, Nagatoishi A, Kasai M, Wu J, Taguchi M. Effect of ingestion of medium-chain triacylglycerols on moderate- and high-intensity exercise in recreational athletes J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2009 Apr;55(2):120-5. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.55.120. PMID: 19436137
4. Watanabe, Shinji and Tsujino, Shougu, Applications of Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Foods. Saturated Fat: Metabolism, Nutrition and Health Impact. June 2022 Volume 9 - 2022 doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.802805